Researchers at MGPU have discovered that love functions as a closed system of motivations.

Systemic psychology identifies eight complementary types of motivation, which are divided into two groups. The biological group connects humans with the animal kingdom and includes vitality, self-preservation, reproduction, and altruism – all aimed at the development and preservation of the individual and the species. The social group, unique to humans, consists of cognitive motivation, self-realization, morality, and the protection of the self.

“At the core of love lies the fixation of various types of motivation on the object of love, where new and diverse motivations converge on the beloved, creating an extraordinarily strong and multifaceted system of connections between two people,” explains Professor Ryzhov, noting that this is what gives lovers an unparalleled sense of fullness in life.

When love arises, infatuation first appears – a strong but relatively short-lived feeling associated with the biological function of procreation. During this period, which typically lasts several months, a person experiences euphoria reminiscent of a light intoxication. The world seems beautiful, people evoke warm feelings, and the infatuated individual becomes generous, ready to make unexpected gifts. The boundaries of one’s capabilities expand, “wings grow,” and sometimes even visual and auditory sensations become more vivid.

Chekhov brilliantly described the mechanism of motivation fixation in his story “Dushenka.” His heroine Olenka, after marrying an entrepreneur, fully immerses herself in theatrical life. After his death, she remarries, this time to a merchant, and begins to ponder the intricacies of trade. And when fate brings her together with a military veterinarian, her new passion becomes the ailments of horses. This literary example illustrates how cognitive motivation and self-realization motivation become entirely focused on the object of love.

Research shows that the motivation of altruism also becomes centered on the beloved: no tragedies can upset one’s balance unless they concern the object of love. The motivation for self-protection transforms – the closeness of the beloved enhances self-esteem and self-respect. A woman wants to see a protector in her beloved, while a man is capable of the most decisive actions in defense of his beloved.

The analysis of shattered love deserves special attention. When all types of motivation suddenly lose their object, a person experiences profound trauma. Metaphorically speaking, motivations now lie on the ground like exposed wires from a fallen power line pole. The more types of motivation that were focused on the beloved, the deeper the tragedy. Some individuals cannot recover from such a loss for years – the almost physical pain of loss is replaced by a long, unending longing.

An interesting indicator of the strength of a past feeling can be the meeting of former lovers years later. If the relationship was based on simple attraction, people can maintain friendly relations, enjoying each other's company and getting to know each other's new families. However, for those bound by true love with multiple motivations, such meetings are difficult and rarely bring satisfaction.

The developed concept becomes a theoretical foundation for new methods of family counseling. Combined with methods of systemic psychological diagnostics, it can serve as an effective tool for practical psychologists, helping to understand the deep mechanisms of the emergence, development, and fading of romantic relationships.